tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113016652018-08-28T20:51:10.642+01:00dreamcatcher - knitting . photography . lifeblogging about knitting exploits, photography, and many other thingsdreamcatchernoreply@blogger.comBlogger295125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-25482701430403769502010-12-04T15:57:00.003+00:002010-12-04T15:59:58.839+00:00Winding up this blogAfter much thought I have decided to wind up operations on this blog. I'm leaving it up and running, but won't be posting any more.<br /><br />I am still knitting of course but rather less than before, and I don't have enough craft-related news to post very often. I will be setting up a new blog elsewhere which will have a different focus, I won't be linking across but if you'd like the link when it's live, email me via the address at the top of the page or ask me on Twitter :-)dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-52230131153963424092010-11-06T01:47:00.018+00:002010-11-06T02:44:03.482+00:00Photoblog: PortmeirionThe promised post about Portmeirion finally makes an appearance! I must admit I do most of my blogging (or micro-blogging) via Twitter these days, hence this blog is left rather neglected. If you're on Twitter please do say hello/follow, if you're not on Twitter, do consider joining! I have found it an excellent way to keep up with many online friends who I might not otherwise speak to very often, and it's also fantastic for fast-moving, as-it-happens news and commentary - for me that means Formula 1 in particular.<br /><br />Anyway, back to Portmeirion. Many of these photos are wallpaper-sized (1650x1050, widescreen monitor format) so click on any you'd like a large version of.<br /><br />I'll start with a photo I actually ended up taking on the way home. As we reached the final leg of our journey down, the view across the Lleyn peninsula was superb. It was the clearest I have ever seen it, equally so in the other direction towards the mountains. It was almost as clear as we headed home:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS2PborowI/AAAAAAAABG4/9X2TdH-5q2k/s1600/lleyn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS2PborowI/AAAAAAAABG4/9X2TdH-5q2k/s400/lleyn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536250218177864450" /></a><br /><br />Our first port of call was a walk down through the village to the waterside. You are on the south side of the Lleyn here, and you have a view across the water to the "main" mainland:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS3CIUYswI/AAAAAAAABHA/e2Z0tvR6pSk/s1600/railings.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS3CIUYswI/AAAAAAAABHA/e2Z0tvR6pSk/s400/railings.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536251089165792002" /></a><br /><br />On this day, the Italianate village looked truly Mediterranean. Stunning blue skies, sunshine, sparkling water, rich green foliage.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS3gAxuoFI/AAAAAAAABHI/Ea5xxee4-JQ/s1600/itswales.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS3gAxuoFI/AAAAAAAABHI/Ea5xxee4-JQ/s400/itswales.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536251602537455698" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS3nOETC3I/AAAAAAAABHQ/tygZGlVczSA/s1600/mediterranean.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS3nOETC3I/AAAAAAAABHQ/tygZGlVczSA/s400/mediterranean.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536251726364085106" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS3vEEhAlI/AAAAAAAABHY/Or9lnziRvUA/s1600/itswales2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS3vEEhAlI/AAAAAAAABHY/Or9lnziRvUA/s400/itswales2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536251861119599186" /></a><br /><br />It really is Wales, and it was simply stunning!<br /><br />After watching the world go by from a waterside bench for a while, we headed to the stone boat, Les Amis Reunis:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS4PZK1CPI/AAAAAAAABHg/qiejicJ5RpY/s1600/lesamireunis.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS4PZK1CPI/AAAAAAAABHg/qiejicJ5RpY/s400/lesamireunis.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536252416539035890" /></a><br /><br />If you've ever seen the TV series <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prisoner">The Prisoner</a> (the original 1960s version) you will instantly recognise the stone boat. The village hasn't changed too much from when the series was filmed there, and is well worth visiting if you are a fan.<br /><br />The late Patrick McGoohan stayed in a cottage called "White Horses" during filming. This is a view through an archway next to the cottage itself - it is situated a couple of minutes' walk from the stone boat and the main hotel building.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS5fPl2IFI/AAAAAAAABHo/SXnVFPdzCQc/s1600/whitehorses.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS5fPl2IFI/AAAAAAAABHo/SXnVFPdzCQc/s400/whitehorses.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536253788357533778" /></a><br /><br />On the walk to White Horses there were some gorgeous shrubs in flower:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS9UsXG0sI/AAAAAAAABIQ/w7on5nv4LzQ/s1600/flowercu1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS9UsXG0sI/AAAAAAAABIQ/w7on5nv4LzQ/s400/flowercu1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536258005148291778" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS9cGQZvMI/AAAAAAAABIY/b_0cb7_eG_Q/s1600/hydrangeas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS9cGQZvMI/AAAAAAAABIY/b_0cb7_eG_Q/s400/hydrangeas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536258132358577346" /></a><br /><br />Back in the main village, this is the Green Dome, Number Two's residence in the series:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS53qGorYI/AAAAAAAABHw/b783ull1s5Q/s1600/no2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS53qGorYI/AAAAAAAABHw/b783ull1s5Q/s400/no2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536254207791246722" /></a><br /><br />Back in the 60s, the green dome itself was actually painted wood (probably marine ply or similar). It was painted to look like verdigris. This was a typical piece of illusion employed by the village's creator, Clough Williams Ellis! It was probably more to do with cost than anything else. These days, the roof has been replaced with a genuine copper one. However it is taking its sweet time to start going green!<br /><br />This is the Gloriette, overlooking the main square with the pool and fountain where "Rover", the huge white weather balloon/guardian of the Village would often appear. The Gloriette was used most memorably in the episode "Free For All" where Number 6 (McGoohan) made his election speech.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS7Lw-qBdI/AAAAAAAABH4/7rRDRw_hZrQ/s1600/gloriette.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS7Lw-qBdI/AAAAAAAABH4/7rRDRw_hZrQ/s400/gloriette.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536255652745840082" /></a><br /><br />Also in the main square are two gold statues on pillars - as I had the DSLR with me I could take a reasonably close-up photo of one of them for the first time:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS7jr1KmDI/AAAAAAAABIA/YO4JwsFfPXM/s1600/goldstatue.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 323px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS7jr1KmDI/AAAAAAAABIA/YO4JwsFfPXM/s400/goldstatue.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536256063680714802" /></a><br /><br />The Bristol Colonnade:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS8eVcXB8I/AAAAAAAABII/nLg3H9eJBQY/s1600/bristolcolonnade.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS8eVcXB8I/AAAAAAAABII/nLg3H9eJBQY/s400/bristolcolonnade.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536257071283374018" /></a><br /><br />Like a number of the buildings in Portmeirion, this is a rescued building, transplanted from its original location. The lawn in front of it is famous as the scene of the human chess game in the episode "Checkmate".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS9sBonYqI/AAAAAAAABIg/ylU3bnRv_7s/s1600/fountain.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS9sBonYqI/AAAAAAAABIg/ylU3bnRv_7s/s400/fountain.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536258405995864738" /></a><br /><br />After lunch we went for a walk in the woodland gardens, which include a small lake and a Japanese-style bridge:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS-JM0tyFI/AAAAAAAABIo/857pnBzIVzc/s1600/japanesebridge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS-JM0tyFI/AAAAAAAABIo/857pnBzIVzc/s400/japanesebridge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536258907215611986" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS-RJ-YRUI/AAAAAAAABIw/NAl2mPqs_zE/s1600/japanesebridge2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TNS-RJ-YRUI/AAAAAAAABIw/NAl2mPqs_zE/s400/japanesebridge2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536259043889792322" /></a><br /><br />If you've never been to <a href="http://www.portmeirion-village.com/">Portmeirion</a>, it is well worth a visit - we've actually stayed there twice, both times in <a href="http://www.portmeirion-village.com/content.php?nID=97&lID=1&pID=115">Telford's Tower</a> (which has an amazing view over the Piazza to Number Six's house), and visited on several more occasions over the years. Our interest came originally from The Prisoner association but even without that, it is a gorgeous place, and on this late June day was absolutely magical.dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-6468588324332918972010-09-21T01:07:00.027+01:002010-09-24T13:25:35.063+01:00Woolfest, York & ArnsideWe had some time off at the end of June and early July, so we had a few day-trips. It's taken this long to find time to sort out the photos and sit down to blog them! I've also not been able to keep up with blogs in the past few months, trying my best to catch up!<br /><br />This first post covers Woolfest, then trips to York and Silverdale/Arnside. The next post will cover Portmeirion which occurred in between Woolfest and York!<br /><br /><h1>Woolfest 2010</h1><br /><br />This was our second year visiting Woolfest, and this year we just went on the Saturday. Once again it was an excellent event, we managed to see some of the sheep auction this time too which was fun. I have a few photos of the livestock again:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf5K6VnLHI/AAAAAAAABDM/lQpoU8b472E/s1600/sheep1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf5K6VnLHI/AAAAAAAABDM/lQpoU8b472E/s400/sheep1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519153834219744370" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf5AKTtypI/AAAAAAAABDE/fgQ4yOEkBsE/s1600/alpacas1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf5AKTtypI/AAAAAAAABDE/fgQ4yOEkBsE/s400/alpacas1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519153649528195730" /></a><br /><br />(I took a few more but they were a bit blurry - I switch the flash off on the compact camera as the last thing the animals need is flashbulbs going off!).<br /><br />Here's Mitchells from the outside - from the back of the building taken from the car park above. Surrounded by hills and mountains!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf58HSSVuI/AAAAAAAABDU/9IjT4YuPJBc/s1600/mitchells1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf58HSSVuI/AAAAAAAABDU/9IjT4YuPJBc/s400/mitchells1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519154679509047010" /></a><br /><br />Here are a few photos taken from the car on the A66 on the last leg!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf6Zk3YEzI/AAAAAAAABDs/uuamCtekXc4/s1600/roadtowoolfest1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf6Zk3YEzI/AAAAAAAABDs/uuamCtekXc4/s400/roadtowoolfest1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519155185665446706" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf6UvRnqRI/AAAAAAAABDk/v-Y99sFP1Es/s1600/roadtowoolfest2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf6UvRnqRI/AAAAAAAABDk/v-Y99sFP1Es/s400/roadtowoolfest2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519155102560528658" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf6QbRpo4I/AAAAAAAABDc/oY7XXmDObps/s1600/roadtowoolfest3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf6QbRpo4I/AAAAAAAABDc/oY7XXmDObps/s400/roadtowoolfest3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519155028472472450" /></a><br /><br /><h1>York</h1><br /><br />We hadn't been to York for a few years and managed to pick a fine day to visit. Our previous couple of visits have been when we were staying in North Yorkshire on holiday, but this time we were heading into the city from the West. We use the Marygate car park which is essentially just across the road from the Museum Gardens, and next to the river. Thankfully with the aid of the satnav and my map we got to it from this new direction!<br /><br />From the car park you cross the road to walk through the Museum gardens towards the main city centre area. Here are some of the ruins:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf7tAyXqtI/AAAAAAAABD8/si6mmd0ynfM/s1600/museumgardens1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf7tAyXqtI/AAAAAAAABD8/si6mmd0ynfM/s400/museumgardens1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519156619089783506" /></a><br /><br />Once in the city centre you find some interesting sights. I think this is called something like street performance art? He was very good anyway!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf7avGWsTI/AAAAAAAABD0/WegNbRqlMFI/s1600/yorkstreetart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf7avGWsTI/AAAAAAAABD0/WegNbRqlMFI/s400/yorkstreetart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519156305104122162" /></a><br /><br />We made our way up towards the Minster. Opposite the Minster itself is the Minster School - loved this sign on their wall:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf8mgLCSmI/AAAAAAAABEE/leQ1TwRzHWw/s1600/nobusking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf8mgLCSmI/AAAAAAAABEE/leQ1TwRzHWw/s400/nobusking.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519157606767282786" /></a><br /><br />We were intending visiting the Minster, but were rather horrified that instead of the donations boxes previously in use, there were turnstiles and an entrance charge of something like £8.50. Now this is still a "working" church and I did find something rather wrong with having to pay a fairly hefty fixed sum to get in. Yes, they do have to raise funds for ongoing upkeep and conservation work, and we would undoubtedly have donated, but this just felt wrong.<br /><br />Anyway, plenty more things to see, including this rather stunning street (or rather wall) furniture nearby):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf-L3mZAiI/AAAAAAAABEM/tuCEcpvGkMg/s1600/highpetergate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf-L3mZAiI/AAAAAAAABEM/tuCEcpvGkMg/s400/highpetergate.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519159348222820898" /></a><br /><br />Quite a few renamed streets judging by the signs:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf-ejmM0GI/AAAAAAAABEU/SYP9qXr_i8M/s1600/madalicelane.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf-ejmM0GI/AAAAAAAABEU/SYP9qXr_i8M/s400/madalicelane.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519159669270827106" /></a><br />Gargoyles:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf-qWnA0tI/AAAAAAAABEc/Uj293WrCoEg/s1600/gargoyles1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJf-qWnA0tI/AAAAAAAABEc/Uj293WrCoEg/s400/gargoyles1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519159871943004882" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJgJVhR0AUI/AAAAAAAABEk/vg8JE7Pou-o/s1600/gargoyles2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJgJVhR0AUI/AAAAAAAABEk/vg8JE7Pou-o/s400/gargoyles2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519171608657527106" /></a><br /><br />We also had a walk along the river:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyUNpUhNII/AAAAAAAABFA/I0OIdSufvHs/s1600/yorkbridge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyUNpUhNII/AAAAAAAABFA/I0OIdSufvHs/s400/yorkbridge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520450205400511618" /></a><br /><br />Various water craft around, either travelling up and down the river or moored alongside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyUyJ7xV_I/AAAAAAAABFQ/1TI8bQ-soTY/s1600/narrowboats_moored.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyUyJ7xV_I/AAAAAAAABFQ/1TI8bQ-soTY/s400/narrowboats_moored.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520450832630372338" /></a><br /><br />See the bridge in the picture above? We decided to cross that and it was terrifying! Mesh sides and holes cut into the floor. I do not need to see the river below me thanks all the same!<br /><br />Loved the name of this narrowboat:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyUiMUnl1I/AAAAAAAABFI/PRJXZtzyArQ/s1600/woolwinder.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 396px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyUiMUnl1I/AAAAAAAABFI/PRJXZtzyArQ/s400/woolwinder.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520450558393554770" /></a><br /><br />Plemty of geese and other water fowl around too, this is a gosling foraging in the park next to the footpath:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyYPu4MNiI/AAAAAAAABGg/eIMiGKpvxrk/s1600/gosling.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyYPu4MNiI/AAAAAAAABGg/eIMiGKpvxrk/s400/gosling.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520454639298557474" /></a><br /><br /><h1>Silverdale and Arnside</h1><br /><br />First port of call was Kays nursey at Silverdale, after a quick visit to the Wolf House Gallery (we may have acquired a couple of pieces of pottery there). Kays has been developed a little in recent years, there is now a wooden-construction tearoom and deck, this overlooks the rather amazing garden that is currently being worked on to bring it back to its former glory. No photos of that unfortunately but here are some of the flower beds that grace one side of the nursery:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyWyhcGqXI/AAAAAAAABF4/u-LMwdk7wWs/s1600/kaysborder1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyWyhcGqXI/AAAAAAAABF4/u-LMwdk7wWs/s400/kaysborder1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520453037963258226" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyWsqlCOJI/AAAAAAAABFw/krqb8T8miFg/s1600/kaysborder3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyWsqlCOJI/AAAAAAAABFw/krqb8T8miFg/s400/kaysborder3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520452937337419922" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyWlNMsn7I/AAAAAAAABFo/njCLX8t8fqE/s1600/kaysborders2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyWlNMsn7I/AAAAAAAABFo/njCLX8t8fqE/s400/kaysborders2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520452809191628722" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyWgK6C0EI/AAAAAAAABFg/dOoAD1dxHjA/s1600/kayseryngium.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyWgK6C0EI/AAAAAAAABFg/dOoAD1dxHjA/s400/kayseryngium.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520452722677174338" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyWaMYJwsI/AAAAAAAABFY/qWgndwnb6DE/s1600/kayspoppies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyWaMYJwsI/AAAAAAAABFY/qWgndwnb6DE/s400/kayspoppies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520452619992679106" /></a><br /><br />On to Arnside, where although the breeze was "brisk" it was dry and sunny, with good views out over the estuary:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyXNeBBCMI/AAAAAAAABGA/vv9IK15sTZM/s1600/viewfromarnside.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyXNeBBCMI/AAAAAAAABGA/vv9IK15sTZM/s400/viewfromarnside.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520453500900804802" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyXWIBtDWI/AAAAAAAABGI/Jgnnr_qDXpA/s1600/arnsideboat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyXWIBtDWI/AAAAAAAABGI/Jgnnr_qDXpA/s400/arnsideboat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520453649616932194" /></a><br /><br />There were a lot of birds on the sands, we were surprised to see that a lot of them were mallard ducks!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyXt5eA7PI/AAAAAAAABGQ/wKxtHt_h9qU/s1600/arnsidemallards.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyXt5eA7PI/AAAAAAAABGQ/wKxtHt_h9qU/s400/arnsidemallards.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520454058026003698" /></a><br /><br />Sand and water:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyX4INOAcI/AAAAAAAABGY/sJv-VTMxnHk/s1600/arnsidebeach.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TJyX4INOAcI/AAAAAAAABGY/sJv-VTMxnHk/s400/arnsidebeach.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520454233780781506" /></a>dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-50962393336899646782010-08-04T15:03:00.003+01:002010-08-04T15:10:49.871+01:00Doctor Who Season 14 ScarfFinally completed my Doctor Who scarf, knit in Cascade 220:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TFlzfLevqPI/AAAAAAAABCA/GeKa4X5XJs0/s1600/who_s14scarf3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 199px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TFlzfLevqPI/AAAAAAAABCA/GeKa4X5XJs0/s400/who_s14scarf3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501555399304653042" /></a><br /><br />All the yarn details and more photos can be found on the <a href="http://ravel.me/knittyinpink/dwssfic2">Ravelry project page</a> which is accessible by anyone. The scarf is approximately 116 inches long (just over nine and a half feet) after washing and blocking (allowing it to stretch a bit). I believe this is the shortest version of the scarf and is very wearable especially if you wrap it around you neck once!<br /><br />I used my rotary cutter for the first time to trim the fringes, it did an excellent job and gave a very neat even finish.<br /><br />In book news, I'm not far off the end of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I've found it quite gripping especially the second half of the book.<br /><br />Hopefully I should be back with a couple of photo blog posts very soon, of our "travels" in late June and early July.dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-31537414221676901902010-06-13T13:48:00.007+01:002010-06-13T13:54:28.097+01:00Doctor Who Scarf WIPThis is my progress so far on my Who scarf:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TBTTwHX92yI/AAAAAAAABBw/zk5Iw1rUsi8/s1600/whoscarf_110610_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TBTTwHX92yI/AAAAAAAABBw/zk5Iw1rUsi8/s400/whoscarf_110610_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482239469983488802" /></a><br /><br />I think I'm about a third of the way through. It's good TV knitting!<br /><br />There is also some exciting news on the shop front. My Sheer laceweight yarn is featured in the new (July 2010) issue of Let's Knit magazine:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TBTUYRnOOcI/AAAAAAAABB4/YfPdZ5bigRk/s1600/sheer_lace_letsknit_july10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TBTUYRnOOcI/AAAAAAAABB4/YfPdZ5bigRk/s400/sheer_lace_letsknit_july10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482240159926598082" /></a><br /><br />I was thrilled to be asked to contribute to the feature on laceweight yarns. The skein in question (Stargazing) has now sold, but my repeatable colourway "Space Odyssey" is very similar.dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-46667500932112155552010-06-09T01:17:00.003+01:002010-06-09T01:24:34.480+01:00Socks!Specifically, my first pair of socks. I started these a year ago, got to the heel turn, then put them aside for other projects. As part of a WIP-along I decided I should finish them - the second was completed in a few days.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TA7eIoY1Q-I/AAAAAAAABBg/o2EwWVUkPME/s1600/firstsocks1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 328px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/TA7eIoY1Q-I/AAAAAAAABBg/o2EwWVUkPME/s400/firstsocks1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480562036418364386" /></a><br /><br />I used Charlene Schurch's "Sensational Knitted Socks" as a reference, and one of the basic patterns converted to just plain stocking stitch. The socks fit very well - I followed the instructions regarding measuring feet beforehand, and swatched the yarn. The latter was one of the skeins of unidentified sock yarn that I dyed with Kool Aid some time ago. After struggling with the joins between the two circulars I was using, I eventually got the hang of a neater join, so the second sock was a much more pleasant and quicker knitting experience.<br /><br />I will definitely be making more handknit socks in the future!dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-68840615978453989682010-05-05T12:55:00.008+01:002010-05-05T13:16:16.947+01:00Citron<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S-Fc-6XWreI/AAAAAAAABBY/1IhSQn7s-BA/s1600/citron3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S-Fc-6XWreI/AAAAAAAABBY/1IhSQn7s-BA/s400/citron3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467753658493349346" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S-Fc6JR7r4I/AAAAAAAABBQ/wkR-P7HJ1Xg/s1600/citron4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 223px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S-Fc6JR7r4I/AAAAAAAABBQ/wkR-P7HJ1Xg/s400/citron4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467753576597794690" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/PATTcitron.php">Citron</a> from Knitty, main body knit in Flamboyance Yarns Dashing merino sock. The pattern calls for a heavier laceweight yarn with around 500 yards, so the sock yarn ran out just after the increases for the ruffled edge. I used some leftover RYC Cashsoft 4ply in deep purple for the remainder, when that ran out on the last row I cast off with a paler lilac/mauve in the same yarn.<br /><br />If I made this again I would probably use KFB rather than M1 for the increases - at this sort of loose gauge, the M1s are very obvious when the piece is blocked. I love the shape it creates, and I tried not to block it too harshly to retain as much of the ruching as possible.<br /><br />I'm now working on a Season 14 Doctor Who scarf, as worn by Tom Baker (the fourth Doctor). <a href="http://wittylittleknitter.com/">WittyLittleKnitter</a> is an excellent resource for Who scarf patterns and information. I'm using Cascade 220 for mine, substituting Beige for sand, and Goldenrod for Gold. I also got Christmas Red standard as the heather version is pretty much impossible to get here at the moment.<br /><br />Thanks for all your comments on the last post, and particularly regarding "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". I finally started reading it, but haven't got very far yet, it does seem good though.<br /><br />I've just seen the news on <a href="http://john-simm.org/archives/512">John Simm Online</a> that he has a new TV project, working with Philip Glenister. That was exciting enough in itself, but it also stars Max Beesley, so I'm one happy bunny today. We don't have Sky any more but it will likely be out on DVD soon after broadcast, judging by the current "Strike Back" made by the same people for Sky.dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-72834968273901760042010-04-12T17:23:00.007+01:002010-04-12T17:49:14.117+01:00Alveare<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S8NJNkQxJmI/AAAAAAAABBA/A6wni4hpHyA/s1600/alveare1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S8NJNkQxJmI/AAAAAAAABBA/A6wni4hpHyA/s400/alveare1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459287670724306530" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S8NJJtSyz2I/AAAAAAAABA4/SmAcH97jo8A/s1600/alveare2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S8NJJtSyz2I/AAAAAAAABA4/SmAcH97jo8A/s400/alveare2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459287604429246306" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S8NJEaCrVJI/AAAAAAAABAw/5Qxm3JwIai0/s1600/alveare3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S8NJEaCrVJI/AAAAAAAABAw/5Qxm3JwIai0/s400/alveare3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459287513362027666" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.woollywormhead.com/alveare/">Alveare</a> by Woolly Wormhead, knit in my own hand dyed Flamboyance Yarns Bailey aran (100% BFL). It took around 88g for the medium size. I absolutely love the decrease pattern, it creates a very distinctive pentagon shape. I didn't block this over a form, as I wanted to keep a little of the beehive look. The BFL knit up very well, with great stitch definition, and it also has a lot of "body" even after washing and blocking.<br /><br />My current WIP is a <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/PATTcitron.php">Citron</a> shawlette in Flamboyance Dashing 4ply (100% superwash merino), in a shade I named Tangerine Dream. I'm using 5mm needles, as the pattern is written for laceweight on 4mm needles. It's a simple effect to execute and looks good so far. It will be interesting to see how far the skein goes, I am prepared to use a toning yarn for the ruffle if need be!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S8NKm1x1pnI/AAAAAAAABBI/LCX7uE8OFqQ/s1600/citron_120410.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S8NKm1x1pnI/AAAAAAAABBI/LCX7uE8OFqQ/s400/citron_120410.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459289204434773618" /></a><br /><br />I'm also currently trying to decide which book to read next. I finished "I Robot" a wee while ago, and it's in a volume with "Robots and Empire". The latter isn't inspiring me much though, so I'm going to start either the first True Blood novel, or <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Girl-Dragon-Tattoo-Stieg-Larsson/dp/1847245455">The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</a> by Stieg Larsson. I'm leaning towards the latter, no doubt partly inspired by the new series of Wallander on BBC4 - the original Swedish version which I do much prefer to the Kenneth Branagh adaptations. I've not yet read any of the Henning Mankell books but have found a <a href="http://www.inspector-wallander.org/">useful website</a> dedicated to the books and their adaptations.dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-25853605756232946582010-04-09T18:35:00.008+01:002010-04-09T18:56:15.604+01:00Hemlock Ring blanket<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S79lz5QHSiI/AAAAAAAABAY/td65W2mD0IY/s1600/hemlockring1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S79lz5QHSiI/AAAAAAAABAY/td65W2mD0IY/s400/hemlockring1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458193215612471842" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S79lwagJKzI/AAAAAAAABAQ/4wi-sBnfda8/s1600/hemlockring2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S79lwagJKzI/AAAAAAAABAQ/4wi-sBnfda8/s400/hemlockring2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458193155818597170" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S79lrZUzxiI/AAAAAAAABAI/taU95jqgKkM/s1600/hemlockring3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S79lrZUzxiI/AAAAAAAABAI/taU95jqgKkM/s400/hemlockring3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458193069603276322" /></a><br /><br />A <a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/08/hemlock-ring-blanket.html">Hemlock Ring</a> knit in Rowan Pure Wool Aran, shade Forest - a gorgeous green and from one of the Kemps Rowan bargain bags. It took just 3.5 skeins, I stopped at the default place on the chart rather than do any extra repeats. Blocked, it measures around 41" across at its widest, so a good-sized snuggly blanket for the sofa. I did the crochet version of the cast-off, which seemed an awful lot simpler than the knit version.<br /><br />I finished these a wee while ago, but they had to wing their way to Australia. A Felicity hat knit in Rowan Calmer for <a href="http://yarnivorous.blogspot.com">Lynne</a>, along with a purple Ballband Cloth:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S79m6865tEI/AAAAAAAABAg/6SY9FJL1SL8/s1600/felicity3_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S79m6865tEI/AAAAAAAABAg/6SY9FJL1SL8/s400/felicity3_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458194436367955010" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S79nXGUNfTI/AAAAAAAABAo/DsIxevz_1rk/s1600/purple_cloth1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S79nXGUNfTI/AAAAAAAABAo/DsIxevz_1rk/s400/purple_cloth1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458194919926365490" /></a><br /><br />I've just finished an <a href="http://www.woollywormhead.com/alveare/">Alveare</a> hat in my own Flamboyance Bailey BFL aran, pictures once it is blocked. I've also started a <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/PATTcitron.php">Citron</a> shawlette in Flamboyance Dashing sock yarn!<br /><br />In non-knitting news, I was absolutely thrilled with the first episode of the new series of Doctor Who. Matt Smith is a wonderful Doctor - when I first saw him I instantly thought of Patrick Troughton (2), and this has been borne out in the first instalment. Ashes to Ashes is also back on our screens, and should give us some answers to the whole Life on Mars/Ashes/Gene Genie conundrum. I'm hoping for an appearance by Sam Tyler I have to say!<br /><br />Also exceedingly happy last Sunday to have my Red Bull F1 boys get a 1-2 at the Malaysian Grand Prix. I'm much more of a driver fan than teams per se, but as it happens my absolute #1 Sebastan Vettel, and the fabulous Mark Webber, both drive for the same team. I'm also really pleased for my other two favourite drivers, Robert Kubica and Heikki Kovalainen, both doing well with their new teams this year.dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-31791588726826715232010-03-24T11:11:00.005+00:002010-03-24T11:30:09.447+00:00Just Enough Ruffles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S6n0oqZfh2I/AAAAAAAAA_4/okxXkl5OF4A/s1600/just_enough_ruffles1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S6n0oqZfh2I/AAAAAAAAA_4/okxXkl5OF4A/s400/just_enough_ruffles1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452157803321853794" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S6n0lHiGF2I/AAAAAAAAA_w/7GMxF8sA3-Y/s1600/just_enough_ruffles4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S6n0lHiGF2I/AAAAAAAAA_w/7GMxF8sA3-Y/s400/just_enough_ruffles4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452157742423086946" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pattern</span>: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/just-enough-ruffles">Just Enough Ruffles</a> by Laura Chau<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yarn</span>: Jaeger Shetland Aran<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Needles</span>: 5.5mm circulars<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yardage</span>: approx. 320 yards, 1.75 skeins<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Size</span>: approx, 51" long before blocking, 60" after<br /><br />A fairly speedy scarf to make, it is knit lengthwise using short row shaping. The yarn is gorgeous, blocking really well, and the scarf was a big hit with the recipient. I might have to make one for myself!<br /><br />I am currently knitting a Hemlock Ring blanket, and am well over 400 stitches on the needle at the moment.<br /><br />This is how it looked when I'd just started:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S6n2Ypm65nI/AAAAAAAABAA/3pq2Y1ucDEw/s1600/hemlock_ring_110310.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S6n2Ypm65nI/AAAAAAAABAA/3pq2Y1ucDEw/s400/hemlock_ring_110310.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452159727255086706" /></a><br /><br />I'd also like to say a big thank-you for all the comments and good wishes for Flamboyance Yarns. I'm pleased with how it is going so far - the shop has barely been open two weeks but it seems like longer! The shop also has <a href="http://flamboyanceyarns.co.uk/blog/">its own blog</a> where I aim to post updates and the like, and it's also on <a href="http://twitter.com/flamboyanceyarn">Twitter</a>. This week's update will have laceweight and also Splendour merino/cashmere/nylon 4ply.dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-58832139217345194612010-03-10T13:22:00.009+00:002010-03-10T13:39:37.991+00:00Cloths!Last month I knitted quite a few cloths. One was for a Dishcloth Swap on the CTnY forum, but I'd been promising myself to make some for a long time. I like to use them as face flannels - they are great as a lovely hot (or cold) cloth. My husband requested some so I made these two for him:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S5edoETW9jI/AAAAAAAAA_A/yjgkuw-6NwI/s1600-h/camo_cloths1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S5edoETW9jI/AAAAAAAAA_A/yjgkuw-6NwI/s400/camo_cloths1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446995586003170866" /></a><br /><br />The standard Ballband pattern as found in the original Mason Dixon book, amongst other places. I used Garnstudio Drops Paris which is a 100% cotton aran weight yarn.<br /><br />I made a <a href="http://ribbedforyourpleasure.wordpress.com/2008/08/12/harmonic-mosaic-cloth/">Harmonic Mosaic</a> cloth for the swap, yarn is the Paris again:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S5eeYxN8QMI/AAAAAAAAA_I/I6kT4Qs2G0I/s1600-h/harmonic_mosaic_cloth2swap_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S5eeYxN8QMI/AAAAAAAAA_I/I6kT4Qs2G0I/s400/harmonic_mosaic_cloth2swap_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446996422693765314" /></a><br /><br />And also made one for me:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S5eemvwJpGI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/qUYAriKay28/s1600-h/harmonic_mosaic_cloth1_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S5eemvwJpGI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/qUYAriKay28/s400/harmonic_mosaic_cloth1_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446996662818546786" /></a><br /><br />More cloths for me - firstly another Ballband using brown Paris and Anchor Magicline shade 1422:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S5efHMTF-jI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/KKFwXWDlZ-k/s1600-h/browns_ballband_cloth2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S5efHMTF-jI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/KKFwXWDlZ-k/s400/browns_ballband_cloth2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446997220237113906" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://hakucho.blogspot.com/2008/09/circle-cloth-pattern.html">Circle cloth</a>, aqua Paris and Magicline 1504:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S5efXChl_QI/AAAAAAAAA_g/9L5MlF0Ztdw/s1600-h/circle_cloth1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S5efXChl_QI/AAAAAAAAA_g/9L5MlF0Ztdw/s400/circle_cloth1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446997492491484418" /></a><br /><br />I also received two lovely cloths, one knitted Ballband and one crocheted, from Nevisknitter, thank you!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S5ef2DNmcDI/AAAAAAAAA_o/suZPM7YBsA4/s1600-h/disclothswap2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S5ef2DNmcDI/AAAAAAAAA_o/suZPM7YBsA4/s400/disclothswap2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446998025252007986" /></a><br /><br />I've just completed a Just Enough Ruffles scarf, in Jaeger Shetland Aran, and will be blocking it shortly. It's a birthday gift and I'm very pleased with how it has turned out. The Jaeger is a gorgeous yarn, sadly long discontinued.<br /><br />I had some lovely news this week, I won the blog prize draw on <a href="http://leafgreenknits.wordpress.com/">leafgreenknits</a>! I chose the book Inspired to Knit as my prize, it arrived yesterday and is as lovely as I had hoped - thank you Linda!dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-76863215915784557422010-02-12T10:49:00.007+00:002010-02-12T11:35:08.448+00:00Experiments in colourVarious yarns dyed with standard acid dyes:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S3U0TQZqoVI/AAAAAAAAA-4/QNoTXQUuRTs/s1600-h/blackcurrant.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 376px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S3U0TQZqoVI/AAAAAAAAA-4/QNoTXQUuRTs/s400/blackcurrant.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437309630544519506" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">75% merino 25% nylon superwash sock weight</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S3U0Pr8Mm3I/AAAAAAAAA-w/5KONPjxr0y0/s1600-h/brights.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S3U0Pr8Mm3I/AAAAAAAAA-w/5KONPjxr0y0/s400/brights.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437309569217633138" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">100% merino sock weight</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S3U0MJx91YI/AAAAAAAAA-o/y_fhRVu5UB4/s1600-h/bluegreen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S3U0MJx91YI/AAAAAAAAA-o/y_fhRVu5UB4/s400/bluegreen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437309508508308866" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">100% superwash Bluefaced Leicester sock weight</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S3U0H1nOQGI/AAAAAAAAA-g/Y-csDZLnbBc/s1600-h/fondant.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S3U0H1nOQGI/AAAAAAAAA-g/Y-csDZLnbBc/s400/fondant.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437309434375061602" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">80% merino 20% silk laceweight</div><br /><br />I think my favourite is the merino sock in bright pink/orange/green/yellow. The orange is purely from colour blending within the skein, I love how there are so many variations of shade created.<br /><br />The photography of different colours presents a challenge too. The camera coped well with three of the skeins, but the blue-green BFL gave it some problems. The auto white balance wasn't up to the job, and the first shots were distinctly blue-biased. I must note that the photos were taken late in the day and the lighting conditions were far from ideal to start with. I finally deciphered the camera manual's instructions on custom white balance, and set that up as the light was fading fast. The end result isn't bad, but what you can't really see is the subtle purple shading on some of the strands. However it was a useful lesson in photography!dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-43467221795024503582010-01-07T12:27:00.007+00:002010-01-07T13:03:04.737+00:002010Wishing everyone a very happy and peaceful 2010. I have my first FO of the year, the <a href="http://www.chicknits.com/catalog/maximus.html">Maximus cowl</a> by ChicKnits. Inspired partly by the very cold and snowy weather we are currently experiencing in the UK, and partly because I got some lovely Rowan Big Wool in the now legendary Kemps Rowan bargain packs, just before Christmas.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S0XUlyBiTjI/AAAAAAAAA-I/x1RwPM7P7lo/s1600-h/maximus1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S0XUlyBiTjI/AAAAAAAAA-I/x1RwPM7P7lo/s400/maximus1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423975071786094130" /></a><br /><br />Last year I took part in the 24 in 2009 challenge i.e. knit 24 items/projects in one year. I'm pleased to say my final total was 27, the last two being a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sock-yarn-slouch-hat">Sock Yarn Slouch</a> hat in Yarn Yard Hug organic merino, and the Charlotte capelet from Rowan 38 in Big Wool (bargain packs again):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S0XVwRcviyI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/A4LE_KRpjwY/s1600-h/sockyarnslouch_hat3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S0XVwRcviyI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/A4LE_KRpjwY/s400/sockyarnslouch_hat3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423976351532026658" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S0XVZ-FEtjI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/eM3VubNAMo0/s1600-h/charlotte1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/S0XVZ-FEtjI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/eM3VubNAMo0/s400/charlotte1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423975968375354930" /></a><br /><br />I also started using the Knitmeter last year to keep track of how much yarn I knitted up. In total I knitted 6.92 miles of yarn (12180 yards). It will be interesting to compare this year's output with that total. I'm not aiming at 24 in 2010, just aiming to knit up some of my stash! My current garment-size project is the Elfin cardigan from Rowan 34. It's the first time I've knit with Felted Tweed and I love the fabric it creates. I was also lucky enough to score 500g-worth of mixed shades in KSH in the Kemps £5-a-bag Rowan bonanza, and happily there is some dark brown that I can use for the ruffled edgings and cuffs on this cardigan. It should tone nicely with the light-ish brown "Cocoa" in the Felted Tweed. I also plan to knit another Felicity hat, for myself this time, in some brown Lamb's Pride. Hopefully it should tone in nicely with the cowl.<br /><br />Overall I don't have too many specific "objectives" for knitting in 2010. I'm looking forward to working on whatever takes my fancy, in the main. I'd like to buy less yarn, but am not enforcing any kind of "diet" - rather am continuing with my policy of thinking about things for a while before purchase. It has worked quite well so far, compared to past yarn-buying habits. I think I will try to keep count of yardage "in" as well as yardage knit, which will be enlightening if nothing else!<br /><br />I also intend to learn crochet this year, and have already made quite a reasonable start. I bought the introductory copy of The Art of Crochet, and worked through the getting started instructions with some success. Given that in the past I have struggled to manipulate hook and yarn, I can now hold hook and yarn and "pick" the yarn with the hook to make stitches. I won't be continuing with the partwork but it has certainly helped me over some hurdles.dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-66328531404842947232009-12-15T10:45:00.006+00:002009-12-15T11:09:17.534+00:00Cranford mitts and Felicity hat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SydrpqAcAhI/AAAAAAAAA94/AYG3hG_kAK8/s1600-h/cranfords1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SydrpqAcAhI/AAAAAAAAA94/AYG3hG_kAK8/s400/cranfords1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415415440331244050" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SydrmW7G5zI/AAAAAAAAA9w/P74959VCen8/s1600-h/cranfords3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 279px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SydrmW7G5zI/AAAAAAAAA9w/P74959VCen8/s400/cranfords3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415415383669008178" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.p-hop.co.uk/index.php/patterns/cranford-mitts/">Cranford mitts</a>, knit in Yarn Yard Hug (organic merino). A great pattern, very well written and with a very elegant solution to thumb shaping! The gloves fit like, well, a glove, I'm sure there will be another pair of these somewhere in my future.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sydsh96D4oI/AAAAAAAAA-A/oJXcpU59og8/s1600-h/felicity_crown.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sydsh96D4oI/AAAAAAAAA-A/oJXcpU59og8/s400/felicity_crown.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415416407745880706" /></a><br /><br />Another Felicity hat, knit as a gift in Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece. I modified the pattern by casting on 90 rather than 70, keeping the same needle sizes, and increasing up to 140 stitches. I also carried on the decrease rounds further than the pattern suggests. I'm very pleased with the end result and think I will make another for myself this time, in some brown Lambs' Pride in my stash. I am definitely on a hat kick at the moment, my current WIP is a sock yarn slouch hat using the grey Hug as seen in the Cranford edging.<br /><br />The Cranfords mark my "24 in 2009", now exceeded! Next year I am planning to participate in the sock yarn challenge on the CTnY forum - any item knit using sock yarn each month. I may not make one every month but I do have lots of lovely hat, glove and shawl patterns queued up as well as socks.dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-31975984852913939122009-11-26T13:37:00.004+00:002009-11-26T13:46:18.012+00:00Feather scarfThis blog is starting to resemble buses - nothing for ages then two turn up at once.<br /><br />My latest FO is the Feather Scarf, knit in Artesano Alpaca Inca Cloud. This is a dream to knit with, it's so soft. It does shed a little though! The fabric opened up a lot on blocking, going from 44" to 52" long. I used a little less than two skeins, and the scarf was knit on 4mm needles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sw6FN59WzlI/AAAAAAAAA9g/IuGPAQRII8U/s1600/feather_scarf_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 388px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sw6FN59WzlI/AAAAAAAAA9g/IuGPAQRII8U/s400/feather_scarf_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408406676461506130" /></a><br /><br />Last night I cast on for a pair of <a href="http://www.p-hop.co.uk/index.php/patterns/cranford-mitts/">Cranford Mitts</a>. This is now a <a href="http://www.p-hop.co.uk/">p/hop</a> pattern so I will be sure to make a donation once I've finished them. Not much progress to show but I do love these colours - Mysteron (grey) and Smile in Yarn Yard Hug organic merino (something like a sport weight).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sw6Fxvmqm0I/AAAAAAAAA9o/qkcXdFGBuwE/s1600/cranfords_261109.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sw6Fxvmqm0I/AAAAAAAAA9o/qkcXdFGBuwE/s400/cranfords_261109.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408407292157270850" /></a>dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-46175019995193633472009-11-25T14:29:00.008+00:002009-11-25T14:42:23.807+00:00Yet another Clapotis and other FOsPlaying catch-up with FOs again, as I seem to end up posting pictures everywhere else and forget to blog them!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sw0_usdgQ-I/AAAAAAAAA9A/qhhN-qyK9xU/s1600/clapotis4_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sw0_usdgQ-I/AAAAAAAAA9A/qhhN-qyK9xU/s400/clapotis4_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408048798983275490" /></a><br /><br />Another Clapotis, knitted in Mirasol Hacho shade "Northern Lights". This is a DK so I went down to 4.5mm needles, although 5mm would have worked just as well. There are two extra repeats in the straight section, and this is around 70" long by 21" wide. The Hacho is a great yarn to knit with, quite tightly plied, and pure wool to boot.<br /><br />I also took part in this year's Woolly Wormhead Mystery KAL, as last year I just didn't have the time. There were two hat patterns to choose from, with a great deal if you bought both (the prices are still reduced until the 30th of November). I chose to knit hat A, as this was described as a slouchy hat with lace pattern. I even had the called-for yarn in stash, Stylecraft Pure Wool DK. This was bought several years ago and it was nice to have a good project to use it for.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sw1BKbpcEkI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/qnA0-9C0DMk/s1600/wwkal_a_5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sw1BKbpcEkI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/qnA0-9C0DMk/s400/wwkal_a_5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408050375017894466" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sw1BHKtgUOI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/wntymgxPmy4/s1600/wwkal_a_2_crown.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sw1BHKtgUOI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/wntymgxPmy4/s400/wwkal_a_2_crown.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408050318931939554" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sw1BDy_1BFI/AAAAAAAAA9I/iTrhgCPxegY/s1600/wwkal_a_4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sw1BDy_1BFI/AAAAAAAAA9I/iTrhgCPxegY/s400/wwkal_a_4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408050261026735186" /></a><br /><br />I love the finished hat, and the crown shaping in particular is very pretty. I'd certainly make it again, probably in a more "squooshy" DK.<br /><br />Tonight I'm planning to cast on for a pair of Cranford Mitts, using Yarn Yard Hug bought back when the pattern was first released. There is a glove KAL on the CTnY forum at the moment and this is a good excuse to finally make these! I'm also quite keen on mittens and "proper" gloves so hopefully will be trying a few patterns out in the near future.<br /><br />Finally, I've created slideshows on Photobucket for my 2007 and 2008 FOs. My Flickr Pro subscription ran out at the end of October and I didn't see a reason to renew it, now that Ravelry has a number of options for uploading pictures. You can only view the latest 200 photos uploaded to Flickr, so in future I will be using a combination of PB and direct uploads.dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-23983818079785664102009-10-29T11:11:00.004+00:002009-10-29T11:19:48.902+00:00Heather Hoodie Vest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sul5XUm603I/AAAAAAAAA8Q/jCu_Z90uvtc/s1600-h/hoodievest_front.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 373px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sul5XUm603I/AAAAAAAAA8Q/jCu_Z90uvtc/s400/hoodievest_front.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397979069956150130" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sul5cwV_syI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/uwtV80msB_M/s1600-h/hoodievest_back.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sul5cwV_syI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/uwtV80msB_M/s400/hoodievest_back.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397979163300705058" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sul5gW-gxII/AAAAAAAAA8g/ed2K2q97DJA/s1600-h/hoodievest_worn_hood.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 351px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sul5gW-gxII/AAAAAAAAA8g/ed2K2q97DJA/s400/hoodievest_worn_hood.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397979225210799234" /></a><br /><br /><b>Pattern</b>: Heather Hoodie Vest, Knitscene Fall 2009<br /><b>Yarn</b>: Sirdar Denim Chunky, shade 509<br /><b>Yardage</b>: 5.08 skeins<br /><b>Needles</b>: 6mm straights and 6mm circs<br /><br />Another garment that I am very pleased with indeed. The yarn is a wool/cotton/acrylic blend, handles very well, washes well and keeps its shape, and the cables really pop. It's also very cosy! The hood is of elven proportions and would certainly keep your head dry in a rain shower. The pattern is one I would knit again, maybe in a dark leaf green. The Mr thinks it looks like a top from the latest Robin Hood series and I'm inclined to agree.<br /><br />Another recent finish was the Piper hat from Twist Collective:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sul5xKRTQRI/AAAAAAAAA8o/hPmUetwZbtU/s1600-h/piper.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sul5xKRTQRI/AAAAAAAAA8o/hPmUetwZbtU/s400/piper.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397979513857720594" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Knit in Sublime Merino Silk Cashmere aran, a gorgeous yarn but a bit drapier than I think this needs. I made the slouchier version too and would knit this again using a wool yarn. The piping was done in Cascade 220. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also turned the heel on my sock!<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sul6GWHnZKI/AAAAAAAAA8w/MQ-L-onSdgM/s1600-h/sock_011009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 387px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sul6GWHnZKI/AAAAAAAAA8w/MQ-L-onSdgM/s400/sock_011009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397979877815575714" /></a><br /><br />The decreases have also been completed and it just needs the main foot section completing next. I've also knit the right front section of Tender, my KSH cardigan, and am aiming to finish that before Christmas.<br /><br />My current project is another Clapotis, using some Mirasol Hacho bought at the Black Sheep Craft Barn shop (a wondrous place to visit, there is a huge yarn pile amongst other things!). I'm going to the theatre in a couple of weeks' time and decided I'd like a more moody, autumnal scarf/wrap to wear. The photo doesn't do the colours justice, hopefully my next progress shot will be in better light.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sul6PCmMR3I/AAAAAAAAA84/N5GUpvNlMcg/s1600-h/clapotis4_261009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 367px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sul6PCmMR3I/AAAAAAAAA84/N5GUpvNlMcg/s400/clapotis4_261009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397980027193935730" /></a><br /><br />The blog has also had a revamp, I hope you like the new look!dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-13906972638789547942009-10-13T14:44:00.022+01:002009-10-13T15:18:51.569+01:00Holker Hall - photo blogI am decidedly late in posting photos of our visit to <a href="http://www.holker.co.uk/metadot/index.pl?id=2171">Holker Hall</a> on the first of October. We've been busy in the meantime with the ongoing decluttering of the house and garage. Lots of things have been re-homed, some things re-purposed (part cans of paint go to the tip where the Council collect and use them, for example), and unfortunately some stuff simply had to be chucked out. We still have work to do in the attic, but phase 1 saw 5 large bags of stuff collected by a charity today, in addition to the things mentioned above. At the moment the house is tidy again and there are no piles of stuff stacked up waiting to go elsewhere!<br /><br />I'll update my knitting progress in a separate post, for now here are some photos I took during our visit. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and considering the date the gardens still looked quite summery. Click on any of the photos to see a larger version.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSHkbnYW3I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/f5eomBUl7yg/s1600-h/holker001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSHkbnYW3I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/f5eomBUl7yg/s400/holker001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392083713827298162" /></a><br /><br />Formal gardens near the house, still a riot of colour.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSHflXeSdI/AAAAAAAAA7I/ZI8mKPb2zFc/s1600-h/holker002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSHflXeSdI/AAAAAAAAA7I/ZI8mKPb2zFc/s400/holker002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392083630545586642" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSHZH6jIdI/AAAAAAAAA7A/AGJ6qqVA-hM/s1600-h/holker003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSHZH6jIdI/AAAAAAAAA7A/AGJ6qqVA-hM/s400/holker003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392083519560425938" /></a><br /><br />Beautiful blues and purples.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSHS6o7CmI/AAAAAAAAA64/4SYleufwEZ8/s1600-h/holker004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSHS6o7CmI/AAAAAAAAA64/4SYleufwEZ8/s400/holker004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392083412917619298" /></a><br /><br />"Architectural" seed heads.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSHMz0dCqI/AAAAAAAAA6w/hEqkrkEYcNM/s1600-h/holker005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSHMz0dCqI/AAAAAAAAA6w/hEqkrkEYcNM/s400/holker005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392083308007721634" /></a><br /><br />This is at the gate from the garden onto the parkland, leading to the labyrinth - they have carved a compass point showing North into the centre.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSHIAPyfyI/AAAAAAAAA6o/Y6Qdq4vNUOk/s1600-h/holker006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSHIAPyfyI/AAAAAAAAA6o/Y6Qdq4vNUOk/s400/holker006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392083225444253474" /></a><br /><br />My favourite photo of the day. Gorgeous lichens on one of the standing stones making up the labyrinth. It's a modern construction but looks lovely.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSHDnonQJI/AAAAAAAAA6g/OTNmgcyg21c/s1600-h/holker007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSHDnonQJI/AAAAAAAAA6g/OTNmgcyg21c/s400/holker007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392083150118011026" /></a><br /><br />View from the labyrinth across the countryside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSG-6tPruI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/-VZQjPk6LJI/s1600-h/holker008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSG-6tPruI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/-VZQjPk6LJI/s400/holker008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392083069338365666" /></a><br /><br />And the view back to the house.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSG5q5EuFI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/DIVNNWdR5_w/s1600-h/holker009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSG5q5EuFI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/DIVNNWdR5_w/s400/holker009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392082979193665618" /></a><br /><br />A short walk from the labyrinth is this wonderful slate sundial.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSG0SR8wOI/AAAAAAAAA6I/XRD6HIJSMKM/s1600-h/holker010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSG0SR8wOI/AAAAAAAAA6I/XRD6HIJSMKM/s400/holker010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392082886687768802" /></a><br /><br />One of the many and varied benches, this one is entirely held together with dowels.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGvoLIs3I/AAAAAAAAA6A/4v3g0IvJGPE/s1600-h/holker011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGvoLIs3I/AAAAAAAAA6A/4v3g0IvJGPE/s400/holker011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392082806665425778" /></a><br /><br />Ducks in the cascade fountain - as we approached they all rushed into the water with much noise and splashing!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGrcjJKwI/AAAAAAAAA54/DUTOneWSpdE/s1600-h/holker012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGrcjJKwI/AAAAAAAAA54/DUTOneWSpdE/s400/holker012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392082734825417474" /></a><br /><br />As we stood watching the ducks and admiring the fountain, the sun scythed through the trees and we were treated to a rainbow in the spray.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGmNbRRCI/AAAAAAAAA5w/UZPTWK2ymTk/s1600-h/holker013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGmNbRRCI/AAAAAAAAA5w/UZPTWK2ymTk/s400/holker013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392082644866516002" /></a><br /><br />The ducks later calmed down and some came out of the water to preen (one suspects they were angling to be fed!). I've tried to find out what species these are, to no avail, does anyone know?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGhpfLD8I/AAAAAAAAA5o/821NsUsihKc/s1600-h/holker014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGhpfLD8I/AAAAAAAAA5o/821NsUsihKc/s400/holker014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392082566499733442" /></a><br /><br />Late summer colour in the sunken garden.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGYfE7QTI/AAAAAAAAA5g/r5fkah8HIL0/s1600-h/holker015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGYfE7QTI/AAAAAAAAA5g/r5fkah8HIL0/s400/holker015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392082409086468402" /></a><br /><br />"Here shall ye see no enemy, but winter and rough weather"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGTrzN2hI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/lvdDCpfSTR0/s1600-h/holker016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGTrzN2hI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/lvdDCpfSTR0/s400/holker016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392082326602504722" /></a><br /><br />House and gardens - we also toured the house itself and it was great to see the rooms so brightly sunlit. Unlike many "stately homes" this house is lived in and there is no attempt to stop the natural light.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGOCACDsI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/uf8-j2Ra3b4/s1600-h/holker017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGOCACDsI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/uf8-j2Ra3b4/s400/holker017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392082229482622658" /></a><br /><br />Holker also hosts a Motor Museum, with a lot of material related to Donald Campbell. The photo above shows a replica of the Bluebird car, and below the K7 boat. The car in particular is huge!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGIUaRu0I/AAAAAAAAA5I/snbX-7rLpgs/s1600-h/holker018.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/StSGIUaRu0I/AAAAAAAAA5I/snbX-7rLpgs/s400/holker018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392082131345324866" /></a><br /><br />I would recommend a visit to Holker, it has been some years since we last visited, and it has been much improved. As we were walking down to the gardens to begin our tour, we were overtaken by Lord Cavendish, who greeted us very cheerily, and took the time to have a quick chat with us and some other visitors. Not something you expect to happen, and I think shows how very "hands-on" the family are when it comes to running the business!dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-68598255626472240892009-09-15T09:35:00.005+01:002009-09-15T10:03:03.060+01:00Basil<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sq9SdUUT4YI/AAAAAAAAA5A/BWPdDbQjf6E/s1600-h/basil.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 317px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sq9SdUUT4YI/AAAAAAAAA5A/BWPdDbQjf6E/s400/basil.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381610743354614146" /></a><br /><br />I finished this sweater a couple of weeks ago and forgot to blog it. The pattern is Basil from the Rowan Summer Tweed Collection by Kim Hargreaves, knit in Summer Tweed shade "Shark". The colours are not that good in the photo as it was taken in poor light - it's a darker grey base with flecks of blue-grey and black.<br /><br />I love how this turned out, it's a wonderful fit and very soft and comfortable. I found the Summer Tweed fine to knit with, it didn't cause me any problems at all. The main mods to this sweater were (1) adding 4 extra rows after switching to the larger needles front and back, before the waist decreases, and (2) convering the shoulders to <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/FEATpatterns103.html">short row shoulder shaping</a>. This is a method I will most definitely use in future, it significantly improves the look of the shoulders. A three-needle bind-off is used to seam the shoulders and again this gives a very neat finish.<br /><br />I've just finished the last body piece for the Hoodie Vest, so my next job is joining the shoulders (three-needle bind-off again, but there's no shoulder shaping in this design) then blocking the body out to size. As well as knitting, I've been making chutney and marmalade! First off was Green Tomato Chutney (Delia Smith recipe), using our homegrown cherry tomatoes. We had to make sure we went out and picked all the greens off the plants just for this recipe, as they were all ripening up so well! Next was Mango Chutney, using a recipe by Marguerite Patten. We opted for the version without apples and hence using more mango. It turned out beautifully and tastes fabulous, although it's currently maturing for a month before we use any.<br /><br />Last up was Grapefruit Marmalade (another Marguerite recipe), as I have great difficulty finding this in the shops, and tend to avoid oranges. We used pink grapefruit, and soaked the pith etc. for 24 hours before use. As it turned out this was a good thing to do, according to the collected wisdom on t'internet. I'd never made marmalade before (or mango chutney), so I was rather winging it on things like setting point - especially without a jam thermometer. Again it turned out really well, I was a bit worried it might never set but it has made a lovely thick marmalade. I have a partial jar in the fridge at the moment with the rest stored and it tastes wonderful. We have since invested in a proper preserving pan and thermometer, rather than the stock pot we've used this time. I will definitely be making my own marmalade and mango chutney again! I don't have any photos as my husband very helpfully put all the jars back into the boxes they originally came in, and they are sitting on top of the kitchen cupboards! They do need to mature though, especially the green tomato, that needs to be left for three months.dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-81181355938801634222009-08-24T16:47:00.007+01:002009-08-24T17:04:14.509+01:00PurpleOne of my favourite colours! First up is the completed Robin beret in RYC Cashsoft 4ply, shade Loganberry:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SpK22GJqVlI/AAAAAAAAA4A/oWZmdKEPVNs/s1600-h/robin2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 391px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SpK22GJqVlI/AAAAAAAAA4A/oWZmdKEPVNs/s400/robin2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373558345886750290" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SpK2vZmTf4I/AAAAAAAAA34/HHdo0EDV5oQ/s1600-h/robin1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 391px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SpK2vZmTf4I/AAAAAAAAA34/HHdo0EDV5oQ/s400/robin1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373558230848077698" /></a><br /><br />This only used 1.3 out of 2 full skeins, and I didn't add the contrast pompom. I knit this flat on straights as per the pattern, but it could easily be converted to a seamless pattern in the round. The RYC Cashsoft is beautifully soft, as per its name. A lovely beret for the winter and a great fit.<br /><br />More purple, this time some yarn I hand-dyed for my swap partner in the current CT'n'Y Summer Secret Santa. It's a 100% merino laceweight, which I snagged as a bargainous cone.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SpK31vx8atI/AAAAAAAAA4I/ZhhvnV2dYAg/s1600-h/merino_2ply_purples.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 371px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SpK31vx8atI/AAAAAAAAA4I/ZhhvnV2dYAg/s400/merino_2ply_purples.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373559439393319634" /></a><br /><br />I used Procion MX dyes bought as a kit. The first dye run gave some lovely shades, but there were paler patches that I wasn't happy with. The yarn was then overdyed with one shade of purple which gave a rich semi-solid. I'm very happy with the end result, as this was my first "proper" acid dye project and I wasn't expecting anything quite so good!<br /><br />Not purple - this is my latest WIP, the Heather Hoodie Vest from the current Knitscene:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SpK5CY1k_BI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/K7nsWRsqIA4/s1600-h/denim_hoodie_vest_240809.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SpK5CY1k_BI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/K7nsWRsqIA4/s400/denim_hoodie_vest_240809.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373560756084472850" /></a><br /><br />The yarn is Sirdar Denim Chunky in a cream/beige marl shade. It's the first time I've knit with it and I'm very pleased with how it knits up and handles.<br /><br />My Basil sweater in Summer Tweed is complete, and waiting for me to finish seaming the sides! It's too hard to see under electric light, but I'm hoping to finish the sewing up tomorrow in daylight.<br /><br />Finally, I had a lovely surprise last week, as Simply Knitting had <a href="http://www.simplyknitting.co.uk/page/simplyknitting?entry=knitting_blog_dreamcatcher_knitty_in">reviewed my blog</a> on theirs! This was most unexpected, my thanks to SK for their kind review!dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-82143776899102623222009-08-05T12:42:00.004+01:002009-08-05T13:04:58.189+01:00Noro Striped Scarf & Shawl That Jazz<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SnlwuGcmCZI/AAAAAAAAA3w/xl-cibRI-tU/s1600-h/nss2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 347px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SnlwuGcmCZI/AAAAAAAAA3w/xl-cibRI-tU/s400/nss2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366444368295496082" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SnlwpiNidRI/AAAAAAAAA3o/LGvHVx1JWQQ/s1600-h/nss5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 388px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SnlwpiNidRI/AAAAAAAAA3o/LGvHVx1JWQQ/s400/nss5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366444289849193746" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pattern</span>: <a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/04/noro-scarf.html">Noro Striped Scarf</a> by brooklyntweed<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yarn</span>: Noro Kureyon shades 138, 159, 164 & unknown<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yardage</span>: 4 skeins'-worth in total, 2 of 138, 1 of 159, part-skeins of 164 and unknown<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Needles</span>: 4.5mm<br /><br />I've been wanting to make one of these manually-striped Noro scarves for a long time. I love how this turned out. I cast on 41 stitches for a 1x1 rib scarf approx. 7 inches wide.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SnlwdU59aVI/AAAAAAAAA3g/PKKI5aOLbwY/s1600-h/shawlthatjazz1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SnlwdU59aVI/AAAAAAAAA3g/PKKI5aOLbwY/s400/shawlthatjazz1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366444080118982994" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pattern</span>: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shawl-that-jazz">Shawl That Jazz</a> by Samantha Roshak<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yarn</span>: Mirasol Hacho shade Scarlet Pimpernel<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yardage</span>: 8 skeins approx. 1096 yards<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Needles</span>: 5mm<br /><br />Another cosy winter woolly! The shape of this is lovely, a gentle curve achieved by using short rows. I made the border around 3 inches deep, a little bigger than the size in the pattern. If I made this again I'd leave out the decrease row after picking up the border stitches, for a more ruffly effect.<br /><br />My current projects include Basil from The Summer Tweed Collection, a sweater I've wanted to make for a while. This is the first time I've knit with Rowan's Summer Tweed, and I'm pleasantly surprised with how it handles. I was expecting something awkward but after the first row I find it great to knit with. The fabric is makes is rather nice too, a bit "scrunchy" but with a softness too. It will be interesting to see how it feels after washing. I'm also making the Robin beret from Amber: A Winter Gathering by Kim Hargreaves. The kit had been in stash for a wee while!<br /><br />Finally, I would like to wish Felipe Massa all the best for his recuperation after the awful crash during Q2 at the Hungaroring. It was a very worrying time but thankfully he is now on the mend. Once again we can be very thankful for the safety improvements in F1 over the years, in this case the new helmets in particular. I'll keep the picture at top right on the blog until Felipe is back racing again.dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-62822246932983053512009-07-20T10:54:00.005+01:002009-07-20T11:11:11.736+01:00Tempest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SmQ_AkHclUI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/YcdyfIBuSl4/s1600-h/tempest1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 345px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SmQ_AkHclUI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/YcdyfIBuSl4/s400/tempest1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360478735405192514" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SmQ-8eTyfMI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/n-QsGmE67VM/s1600-h/tempest2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 381px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SmQ-8eTyfMI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/n-QsGmE67VM/s400/tempest2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360478665126870210" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pattern</span>: <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring08/PATTtempest.html">Tempest</a> by Ann Weaver (published on Knitty)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yarn</span>: Violet Green Socrates Merino 4ply in Seascape<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yardage</span>: 1101 yards for size E<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Needles</span>: 4mm straights and 3.25mm straights for edgings<br /><br />This cardigan is all about the finishing. It takes some time but is worth it for the end result. This has turned out beautifully and is an excellent fit.<br /><br />The first obvious mod is the lack of stripes, of course. I'd knit this again but am still in two minds about whether to do a striped version - I'm not sure they'd be as flattering! The sleeves have a few rows of garter stitch as an edging. The pattern doesn't specify any edging for them and I didn't want the ends curling. I guess you could also add the hem to them afterwards as per the lower edge but the GS does match the button bands. The latter turned out well, especially with the sewn bind-off.<br /><br />My only slight gripe is that the buttonholes would have been better as YO, K2tog rather than binding off 2 stitches and adding them again on the next row. This seemed to cause a bit of gaping around a few of the buttonholes. It also meant I couldn't use the sweet little purple buttons I bought (too small). This cardi needs 14 buttons and in the end I used a mix of green and purple buttons of the same type. They are a little larger than called for, I think, but I like the effect.<br /><br />In other knitting news, I've finished the first large section of Shawl That Jazz. I'll be tackling the rest of it as soon as I get the Noro bug out of my system for a while. I started a <a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/04/noro-scarf.html">Noro Striped Scarf</a> the other night and as usual, it's addictive watching the stripe colour combos evolve. I can see this being finished fairly quickly, it will be a great addition to my winter woolies.<br /><br />Tender is coming along nicely, I have the back and one front piece completed so far. My sock project is on hiatus but I will come back to it, probably with one of the short Addi circs I bought. I'm also waiting on tenterhooks for the new Rowan 46 to arrive, having seen the preview pictures there are a lot of things I like in this issue.dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-70255823819781219042009-07-13T17:52:00.010+01:002009-07-13T18:19:47.974+01:00Sloochie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sltmx9ON0EI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/1Q9PTPLujOU/s1600-h/sloochie3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sltmx9ON0EI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/1Q9PTPLujOU/s400/sloochie3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357989190121148482" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sltm1maeqjI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/v3GcvdthY7Q/s1600-h/sloochie_model.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 395px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sltm1maeqjI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/v3GcvdthY7Q/s400/sloochie_model.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357989252718045746" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pattern</span>: <a href="http://www.woollywormhead.com/sloochie/">Sloochie</a> by Woolly Wormhead<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yarn</span>: Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Shop Aran<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yardage</span>: 153 (around 88g of 100g)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Needles</span>: 4.5mm DPNs and 16" circ.<br /><br />Knit as part of the July Vertical KAL in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/wormheads-hats">Wormhead's Hats</a> group on Ravelry. I made the largest size with no real mods (body ended up a little longer) and it fits very well. I love the pixie style. This was the first time I'd knit a top-down hat, and for once I did OK with DPNs, changing over to a circ at around 90 stitches. The Wensleydale is lovely wool, quite "heavy" in its own way but it makes a good fabric. I may knit this hat again in a "loftier" wool.<br /><br />As promised here are a few photos of the animals at Woolfest.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SltrUi0bdWI/AAAAAAAAA2g/WnmIoYjeuIo/s1600-h/sheep1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SltrUi0bdWI/AAAAAAAAA2g/WnmIoYjeuIo/s400/sheep1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357994182375601506" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">Just been shorn!</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SltrjXYxivI/AAAAAAAAA2o/jDbFlDd0gGs/s1600-h/sheep2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 393px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SltrjXYxivI/AAAAAAAAA2o/jDbFlDd0gGs/s400/sheep2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357994437004856050" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sltr0ut3pDI/AAAAAAAAA2w/W4GADxZiBN0/s1600-h/sheep3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 365px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Sltr0ut3pDI/AAAAAAAAA2w/W4GADxZiBN0/s400/sheep3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357994735325127730" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">These two young 'uns were having a head-butting contest with the black sheep next door!</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SltsEDtKVVI/AAAAAAAAA24/_CVZ30N2F6w/s1600-h/sheep4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 376px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SltsEDtKVVI/AAAAAAAAA24/_CVZ30N2F6w/s400/sheep4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357994998657340754" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SltsMh7mxkI/AAAAAAAAA3A/LDb0enmUHiQ/s1600-h/alpacas1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 321px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SltsMh7mxkI/AAAAAAAAA3A/LDb0enmUHiQ/s400/alpacas1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357995144209942082" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SltsT5ybZ-I/AAAAAAAAA3I/EiEVAbIzBac/s1600-h/alpacas2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 378px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SltsT5ybZ-I/AAAAAAAAA3I/EiEVAbIzBac/s400/alpacas2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357995270872983522" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">Gorgeous alpacas - they look like they are knitted when they've been shorn</div>dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-8698351677285176462009-06-28T18:56:00.009+01:002009-06-28T19:16:38.776+01:00Woolfest stash!I don't often post stash acquisitions on here, but will make an exception for my Woolfest haul! We ended up going to both days, and spectacularly failed to meet almost everyone I'd hoped to! The place was busy though, especially on the Friday. On Saturday we managed to get in to a number of stalls we couldn't see for people on the Friday :-) I'm sorry not to get to meet folks, I really am, it's so rare for me to have this kind of opportunity. Hopefully we will go next year, and maybe organise a mini meet-up too. I think leaving it to chance given the size of the venue, and the sheer numbers, isn't the best idea!<br /><br />On to the yarn. First off, a three-pack of Caber from <a href="http://www.theyarnyard.co.uk">The Yarn Yard</a> in a lovely silver-grey. Destined for a cardigan or sweater methinks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Skev9TYP8DI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/9Anh9bTsG-U/s1600-h/yy_caber_grey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 386px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Skev9TYP8DI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/9Anh9bTsG-U/s400/yy_caber_grey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352440149861986354" /></a><br /><br />Two skeins of the new Yarn Yard Kelpie laceweight cashmere. Beautiful stuff.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SkewWRqK7hI/AAAAAAAAA1g/JqyewhEuKMo/s1600-h/yy_cashmere_moorland.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 394px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SkewWRqK7hI/AAAAAAAAA1g/JqyewhEuKMo/s400/yy_cashmere_moorland.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352440578897014290" /></a><br /><br />More YY laceweight, Gloaming:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Skew_53e2uI/AAAAAAAAA1o/giDlM-6z1J4/s1600-h/yy_gloaming_laceweight.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 382px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Skew_53e2uI/AAAAAAAAA1o/giDlM-6z1J4/s400/yy_gloaming_laceweight.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352441294064900834" /></a><br /><br />The Yarn Yard Woolfest 2009 colourway in Toddy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SkexNpAV0zI/AAAAAAAAA1w/eTRqGq6Q-kM/s1600-h/yy_toddy_woolfest2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 367px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SkexNpAV0zI/AAAAAAAAA1w/eTRqGq6Q-kM/s400/yy_toddy_woolfest2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352441530056823602" /></a><br /><br />Lovely laceweight from Knitwitches - Lime Cordial in merino/silk (800m/100g), and Storm Clouds in organic water mill spun merino (1000m/100g):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Skexm0nLS6I/AAAAAAAAA14/pVpGUKLZFIE/s1600-h/knitwitches_woolfest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Skexm0nLS6I/AAAAAAAAA14/pVpGUKLZFIE/s400/knitwitches_woolfest.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352441962669231010" /></a><br /><br />The lime is destined for a cardigan, probably Paper Crane (unless I'm brave and do my own top-down creation!).<br /><br />There was also some fibre from Wingham Wool Work, who also had a subscriber offer for a free jute bag which came in very handy for purchases.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SkeyKyK6jbI/AAAAAAAAA2A/T0RNw-EFg0U/s1600-h/merino_fibre_wingham.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SkeyKyK6jbI/AAAAAAAAA2A/T0RNw-EFg0U/s400/merino_fibre_wingham.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352442580489113010" /></a><br /><br />This will be used for both felting and hopefully spinning. I already have a drop spindle from the Wool Clip, and after having seen people spindling, I now have a much better idea how it "works". There was so much lovely fibre around but I didn't want to buy lots until I know I can use it successfully.<br /><br />There were some other bits and bobs, including some polystyrene foot forms(!) (ideas about making felted slippers and pixie shoes!), and a pair of sock blockers:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Skey7zkAt7I/AAAAAAAAA2I/CBZ-TgVkzV4/s1600-h/sockblockers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 392px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/Skey7zkAt7I/AAAAAAAAA2I/CBZ-TgVkzV4/s400/sockblockers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352443422676400050" /></a><br /><br />I also have some photos of the animals, which I'll save for my next post. I didn't take any of the stalls etc. as I wasn't at all sure it was the "done thing", and anyway I was too busy browsing to think about taking photos!dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11301665.post-82371332187276677482009-06-23T14:07:00.003+01:002009-06-23T14:19:08.873+01:00Woolfest or bustThis year will be my first visit to Woolfest (along with the Mr), I'm looking forward to it very much! I've wanted to go for the past couple of years but it has tended to coincide with holidays elsewhere.<br /><br />We'll be visiting on the Friday, thankfully this is one fibre festival that is within reasonable driving distance for us (still 2 hours though!). I will be wearing my Ravelry badge with my Rav/blog name <span style="font-weight:bold;">knittyinpink</span>. Please feel free to say hello if you so wish (or indeed skedaddle in the opposite direction). If I spot any of my blog/Rav/forum pals I will do likewise, I am mostly depending upon name badges though!<br /><br />My Tempest cardigan is currently pinned out and blocking, and may be finished in time for Friday. I may even wear it if the weather is on the cool side. I ended up frogging Ishbel though, as I had made some mistakes and after starting the wrong section and not realising until the centre of the row, it seemed the best thing to do. I really must try to knit lace in (a)daylight, and (b) peace and quiet. No TV! It's a pity to have to frog it this time, I don't have a problem with lace per se (and the charts for this are excellent), but do need to concentrate :-)<br /><br />In lieu of knitting photos, here's a picture of one of my moth orchids, I love the pale yellow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SkDWErcslVI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/-DWw2-5wXiU/s1600-h/yellow_orchid.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 361px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YJq_ikTXfPI/SkDWErcslVI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/-DWw2-5wXiU/s400/yellow_orchid.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350511733187056978" /></a>dreamcatchernoreply@blogger.com12